You are here

Can You Run As Fast As Top Marathoner Ryan Hall?

This guy is the definition of fast. How long can you keep up with him? (Photo courtesy of Asics)

You've heard it before: when you want to run faster, it helps to hit the pavement with faster friends. Not only will you be motivated to pump up the pace, but you can gab about which pro runner you want to see break the finisher's tape first.

But what if you had the chance to do more than talk about that runner, but actually feel what it's like to run at their level - you know, without taking any crazy speed-boosting drugs? Consider it done, thanks to Asics and their latest challenge to New Yorkers. With the ING New York City Marathon set for its big return this Sunday, after being canceled last year due to Superstorm Sandy, the big sneaker brand wants runners to "Better Their Best" with the opportunity to step into top marathoner Ryan Hall's sneaks - well, sort of. Instead of actually wearing his shoes (um, gross - there are some things we don't like to share), you'll hop on a one-of-a kind treadmill that's set to one speed, and one speed only: 12.6. That's the equivalent of Hall's 4:46-mile pace, and we think you can keep up. But don't worry - you're strapped to a harness, juuust in case.

The best part of this "Run with Ryan" experiment? The treadmill is on a truck, meaning it's traveling throughout the city. So if you haven't seen it in your hood yet, keep those eyes peeled and sneakers laced. Still need incentive to hop on? For every minute logged on the treadmill between now and November 2nd, Asics will donate $5 (up to $26,200) to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City in support of public programs focused on youth development.

Now that we've got you feeling the need for speed, check out the times and locations below to find the closest area the treadmill will be traveling to. We recommend running there as your pre-sprint warm-up:

October 31 (until 9pm): Time Warner Center, S/S 60th St. and Broadway

November 1: Asics Bryant Park Store, 5th and 42nd St.

November 2: Central Park, N/S 58th St. and 7th Ave

For an extra boost of confidence, watch this video to see how other New Yorkers fared in the challenge.